Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has come under fire after revealing that she secretly checked into the Betty Ford Clinic for drug and alcohol addiction in November 2022.
The radio star, 49, made the shocking admission during a tearful conversation with co-host Kyle Sandilands on his KIIS FM radio show on Thursday morning.
Jackie revealed that at the height of her addiction she was consuming up to 12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets a day, often with alcohol.
While Jackie bravely shared her story, explaining her battle with addiction and why she took an extended break from The Kyle and Jackie O Show, not all listeners were sympathetic.
Many criticized the radio personality for using an offshore facility favored by the rich and famous, while thousands of Australians struggle to pay for local rehabilitation services.
Known for treating Hollywood stars such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr. and Lindsay Lohan, the Betty Ford Clinic charges between $45,000 and $90,000 AUD for a one-month stay, depending on the program.
While the clinic provides comprehensive addiction care, the price tag left many listeners feeling disconnected from Jackie’s story.
Social media was soon flooded with backlash, with fans criticizing the star for seemingly flaunting her privilege.
Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has come under fire after revealing she secretly checked into the Betty Ford Clinic for drug and alcohol addiction in November 2022. Pictured on Thursday
“Desperate for ratings in Melbourne”. We don’t care, Jackie. You are rich and have all the resources at your disposal. “You are not one of us,” said one listener.
Others chimed in with similar sentiments: “It’s all very well inspiring people to stop using drugs, but not many people can afford a stint in rehab at the Betty Ford clinic.”
Another wrote: ‘Grow up on your $20 a year salary. Who cares about her? She has money to get help, what about the THOUSANDS of people who can’t afford help? It sounds like a “look at me” attitude.
Known for treating Hollywood stars such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr. and Lindsay Lohan, the clinic charges between $30,000 and $60,000 USD for a one-month stay, depending on the program.
Jackie’s emotional confession, however, had its supporters.
‘Why are there so many enemies! Good for you, Jackie, for having the courage and honesty to tell us about your battle with addiction. Hopefully your story will save some lives,” one fan wrote.
‘I cried my eyes out this morning… a lot of anger. What a trip! “You are incredible, a true inspiration to many,” wrote another on Instagram.
A second added: ‘These problems you have detailed do not discriminate between rich and poor. Look at Andrew O’Keeffe. Liam Payne. It never ends well, which is why it’s important to seek help.’
Jackie admitted that she was advised not to reduce her pill use before arriving at the clinic, meaning she was still using the substances on the day she flew to the United States.
Jackie revealed that at the height of her addiction, she was consuming up to 12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets a day, often with alcohol. Pictured at the 2022 Australian Commercial Radio Awards with his daughter Kitty shortly before leaving the country.
When Jackie took a break from the show in 2022, Kyle Sandilands told listeners that he was stepping away to “focus on his health” after contracting COVID-19.
However, behind the scenes, the beloved radio host was battling an addiction that had gotten out of control.
Jackie admitted that she was ashamed of her secret, fearing public judgment, and decided to seek help after hitting rock bottom.
Jackie said she began struggling after splitting from British photographer Lee Henderson in 2018.
She also revealed that she asked her daughter Kitty, 13, for permission to share her story publicly and praised her for treating her with “compassion.”
“I couldn’t be more proud of my daughter, the way she’s handled it has been non-judgmental, just compassionate and supportive,” Jackie said.
Jackie said she wanted to speak publicly about her battle with addiction to reduce the “stigma” around drug dependency and “normalize” it.
The host bravely apologized to listeners for not disclosing her health issues sooner and revealed that she will be two years sober in a matter of weeks.
“I want to apologize to our listeners and to everyone in my life (…) I just needed to focus on that part first, that recovery,” he said.
